Doula Training Curriculum

Overview

We will take a comprehensive look into each of these options listed below that people can consider when facing the end of their lives. We will have either video or guest appearances of people who have experienced these; either as an expert in the field, a family member, or an EOLCCA volunteer who walked the path with a client.

Every section will have supporting documentation and resources for you to take home. 

We welcome robust discussion throughout the training. 

History

• Brief history of end-of-life care in the United States, including other existing end-of-life organizations.
• Brief history and current offerings of end-of-life options outside the United States.

Advance Care Planning

• Understanding Advance Directives, DNR, Medical Proxy Assignment, Dementia Directive.

End-of-Life Options

Declining Treatment

• Stopping or Declining Unwanted Medical Treatment under medical supervision.
• Deactivation of pacemaker or defibrillator or life-preserving cardiac medications
• Choosing to stop dialysis
• Refusing antibiotic therapy
• More/other

Hospice and Palliative Care

• Full Review of Hospices Services and Palliative Care
• Similarities and Differences
• Roles and duties: Who Does What?
• Who is eligible for either form of care?

VSED

• Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED)
• When is VSED appropriate to be presented as an option?
• Refusing ALL food and fluids
• The process
• Keeping the client comfortable
• Supporting the family
• Hospice arrangements ahead of time

Palliative Sedation

• What is it?
• When is this appropriate, who does it, how to find it.

Medical Aid in Dying

• Anticipatory Planning
• Eligibility 
• Differences in various state laws
• Medication Review
• Red Flags to look for
• How to find doctors or hospices that will provide support.
• Videos or guest appearance of clients, family members who have been involved with MAiD.
• Unusual situations, solutions, discussion.
• Attending the Day of Dying, reviewing checklist, having support, how to be present
• Afterward – understanding the role of coroners, medical examiners and funeral homes.
• Pre-Bereavement Support, especially with MAiD